We aimed to understand how immunoadsorption therapy, which removes certain proteins from the blood, affects individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) following a COVID-19 infection.
Our study focused on 12 post-COVID patients experiencingME/CFS symptoms, heightened levels of specific autoantibodies, and neurological issues. We found that after receiving immunoadsorption therapy, there was a marked decrease in these troublesome autoantibodies associated with the autonomic nervous system.
Additionally, the therapy led to reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines—substances involved in the body's immune response—which correlated with the presence of spike proteins in some patients. Despite these changes, we noted that, thirty days after therapy, while there were improvements in neuropsychological function and some physical strength, the self-reported symptoms and overall scores on ME/CFS questionnaires did not show significant improvement.
Therefore, while immunoadsorption therapy showed promise in altering certain immune markers, it did not lead to a substantial improvement in the patients' overall experience of ME/CFS.
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Collagen treatment aids chronic fatiguePolymerized Type I Collagen Downregulates STAT-1 Phosphorylation Through Engagement with LAIR-1 in Circulating Monocytes, Avoiding Long COVID.
Moderate relevance to chronic fatigue
We delved into the effects of polymerized type I collagen (PTIC) on chronic fatigue syndrome, particularly in symptomatic COVID-19 outpatients. Our investigation suggested that PTIC could play a role in reducing hyperinflammation—a common issue tied to prolonged COVID symptoms, including chronic fatigue.
The study presented how when PTIC was administered, it engaged with a receptor known as LAIR-1. This interaction was shown to downregulate a specific inflammatory protein, pSTAT1, particularly in immune cells called M1 macrophages. Notably, patients receiving PTIC exhibited a significant drop in several pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with STAT1.
Furthermore, we observed improvements in various symptoms related to COVID-19, such as better oxygen saturation and reduced instances of dyspnea, chest pain, cough, and chronic fatigue. The downregulation of inflammatory mediators alongside the increase in a different subset of monocytes (Mo2) painted a hopeful picture for those struggling with long-term effects of COVID-19. While the primary focus was on treating COVID-19 symptoms, this treatment could have implications for tackling chronic fatigue syndrome as well.
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